West Africa

In an unexpected turn, Ethiopia and Somalia managed to mend their diplomatic rift this January by signing an agreement that grants Addis Ababa access to port facilities in Somalia. But Ethiopia isn't the only player on the field. Last year, Mogadishu struck a deal with Turkey, where Ankara agreed to fortify Somalia's maritime security via a mix of capacity building, training, and collaborative patrols. The fruits of these agreements could be bountiful, potentially presenting economic and investment avenues while uplifting…

Have you ever wondered about the lengths some will go to in the pursuit of profit, even as it risks public health? In a startling incident in Hargeisa, four Yemeni nationals stand accused of engaging in such nefarious activities. On a sunny Monday morning, the calm of this bustling city was disrupted when the North Western State of Somalia police detained these individuals. Their alleged crime? Repackaging expired medicine with fabricated expiration dates, apparantly aiming to sell them in local markets. The drama unfolded…

In the vibrant halls of Mogadishu's newly inaugurated Hodan Hospital, a strong voice echoed, promising an end to the cycle of fear and violence gripping Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, determined and resolute, has set his sights on vanquishing the international terrorist forces that have long cast shadows over the Horn of Africa nation. Why does Somalia continuously find itself tangled in this relentless struggle against terror? President Mohamud, addressing the nation with unwavering clarity, proposed a holistic…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the bustling streets of Somalia's capital, a significant initiative quietly unfolds, marked by the colorful presence of health workers armed with life-saving vials. With palpable determination, the Federal Ministry of Health and Human Services, bolstered by global allies like WHO, UNICEF, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, has embarked on a crucial four-day polio vaccination campaign. Their mission? To immunize 2.5 million children under the tender age of five against a persistent adversary:…

Mogadishu (AX) — It started as a regular Monday in Burao, with Mahmoud Mohamed Yusuf performing his daily rounds for the Burao Water Agency. Equipped with meticulous records and a resolve to ensure accurate billing assessments for household water consumption, Yusuf had no inkling that this routine task would be his last. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was shot and killed, a chilling incident that has left the community in shock and disbelief. Yusuf was simply doing his job, armed with nothing more than data…

In the ever-complex theatre of global politics and security, decisive actions often ripple far beyond their immediate context. Recently, a certain audacious maneuver by the Trump administration spotlighted this dynamic: a steadfast commitment to obliterate threats to peace and ensure that Somalia remains devoid of terrorist havens. But one might wonder, how does such a commitment manifest amidst the desert plains and bustling towns of Somalia? The United States Africa Command, commonly referred to as AFRICOM, recently…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a robust appeal to national stability, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Monday called out opposition leaders, accusing them of sowing seeds of discord instead of championing the nation’s developmental strides. At the inauguration of a state-of-the-art hospital in Mogadishu, President Mohamud pushed back against his critics' claims, dismissing them as deceptive and detrimental. "Politicians claiming the apocalypse is upon us, that Dante’s inferno is our destiny, are delusional and need help," he…

Mogadishu (AX) — In the ever-beating heart of Somalia, a passionate fervor echoed through the grand hall last week as the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) wrapped up its Fifth Quadrennial Congress in Mogadishu. This assembly wasn't just a meeting; it was a clarion call, a seminal gathering aimed at fortifying the nation's labor movement for the coming years. With a captivating theme—"Empowering Workers' Voice for Justice"—the two-day congress attracted 328 delegates. These included fervent representatives…

Mogadishu (AX) – In the labyrinthine alleys of Jamaame district, nestled within Somalia's storied Lower Juba region, a quiet storm was brewing. It was a subtle chaos orchestrated with the precision of a maestro by the elite Danab commandos of the Somali National Army. But they were not alone in this symphony of military strategy. Alongside them, adding their own fierce cadence, were Jubbaland’s revered Dervish forces. Consider the complexity of such operations. How does one synchronize movements across such challenging…

Mogadishu: A Prelude to Political Discord? In the midst of Mogadishu's bustling environment, an air of apprehension seems to linger. Imagine the scene: a dimly lit conference room, the hum of whispered conversations punctuating the tension in the air. Here, at the convergence of deliberate political dialogues, a somewhat unsettling proclamation was made. Allegations Against the President At the Himilo Qaran political party's recent gathering, a spirited opposition figure, Abdullahi Sheikh Hassan,…